The Southern California Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) has honored the City of Santa Clarita with two “Project of the Year” awards, which will be presented at the 12th annual Building Excellence Shaping Tomorrow (BEST) Awards ceremony on December 7, 2011.

The APWA, which recognizes projects for their creativity and innovation as well as those for traffic, mobility, and beautification, will present awards to the city for the Solar Canopy Project at the Transit Maintenance Facility and the Old Town Newhall Streetscape plan.

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“The Santa Clarita City Council and City staff work hard to implement projects that positively impact every facet of the community, from our residential and business communities to our environment. These are two exemplary projects that we are very proud of and it’s great to see them recognized within the industry,” commented Mayor Marsha McLean.

The Solar Canopy Project at the Transit Maintenance Facility consists of 2,845 photovoltaic modules, which were constructed and installed atop bus canopies.   Adding to the original LEED Gold Certified rating of the facility, the solar panels generate 979,125 kWh per year, greatly reducing the City’s demand on the electrical grid.

Main Street in Old Town Newhall has been transformed into a Transportation Oriented Development corridor, which balances vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle transportation.  Revitalization efforts recognized as part of the award included traffic calming measures, new brick paved sidewalks, and new landscaping, which add to the area’s character and supports this important arts and entertainment district.

APWA is the professional association of Public Works, which represents leaders throughout the United States and Canada. The Southern California Chapter covers the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino.

To learn more about the Solar Canopy Project, please contact Carla Callahan, assistant engineer, at (661) 286-4130.  For more information about the Old Town Newhall Streetscape Plan, please contact Tara Concepcion, assistant engineer, at (661) 255-4342.